Category Archives: Love

Success and the Present Moment

Posted on November 5, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I read a book one of the things I am looking for are punchy quotes.    I collect them and organize them by topic to use when I speak.   People will forget a sermon, but they will remember a statement … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Happiness, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Success, Time | Leave a comment

Measuring Success

Posted on October 16, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I was younger I wanted to be very successful.   I didn’t know what that meant, but I did know that failure was not an option and I was not interested in mediocrity.   As I am in my senior years … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, Father, Friends, Happiness, Joy, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Success, Will of God | 2 Comments

Success and Joy

Posted on October 5, 2014 by familyencouragement

A friend’s mother had been very ill for a long while and we knew her death was imminent.   She was a faithful Christian and loved the Lord and her family.   I always enjoyed visiting with her because she was so … Continue reading →

Posted in Compassion, Family Issues, Happiness, Joy, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting, Success, Time | Leave a comment

Success and Our Schedule

Posted on September 9, 2014 by familyencouragement

When I was on a church staff in the outskirts of Washington D.C. one of the pastors who was very skilled in administration took me under his wing and taught me many things about being a leader.   He became a … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Giving, Happiness, Joy, Kindness, Legacy, Love, Loyalty, Marriage, Men, Mother, Parenting, Time | Leave a comment

Success Requires Knowing What is Most Important

Posted on August 15, 2014 by familyencouragement

I love pictures.   My wife sometimes tells the kids, “Your Dad loves pictures more than anyone I know”.   I enjoy beautiful pictures of sunsets and things God made, they remind me of His wisdom and power.   If you looked at … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Children, Encouragement, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Generosity, Giving, Gratitude, Happiness, Kindness, Leadership, Legacy, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting, Speech, Time | Leave a comment

Best Friends Care for Each Other

Posted on April 23, 2014 by familyencouragement

It was late at night, around 10 p.m., and our doorbell rang.   I’m still up at that time of night, but rarely have visits at that time unless it is a family member.   After turning the porch light on and … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Compassion, Family Issues, Friends, Giving, Gratitude, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Friends are Honest

Posted on March 15, 2014 by familyencouragement

Once I was complaining about an issue and when I finally finished my diatribe a close friend made a quiet, but convicting comment to me.   He said, “Rick, that’s not like you to be cynical”.    While I didn’t enjoy the … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Influence, Love, Parenting, Rebuke | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Overcome a Bitter Spirit

Posted on February 8, 2014 by familyencouragement

How does a person know they are bitter?    Most people do not think they are because they call it other names – disappointed, hurt, unmet expectations.   An operational definition I use for bitterness is “harbored hurt”.   If not dealt with … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Compassion, Criticism, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Friends, Happiness, Humility, Joy, Leadership, Love, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Revival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Affectionate Greetings

Posted on November 6, 2013 by familyencouragement

One of the most devastating days in my life was September 4, 1971.   About 8:45 a.m. that Saturday morning my grandfather died unexpectedly.    He was my namesake and we were very close.   I was only thirteen years old. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Children, Encouragement, Family Issues, Father, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Growing a Close Family

Posted on October 24, 2013 by familyencouragement

I married someone that is the polar opposite of myself.   Paula is engaging, expressive and enjoys meeting people.   I am reserved, less expressive, and tend to pull away from crowds.  Neither personality is wrong; it’s the way God wired us.    … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, Family Issues, Friends, Kindness, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Speech | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments